That afternoon, Sunx Ce arrived carrying a large bundle of gifts to visit Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong. Knowing their identities now, Sunx Ce immediately packed two Jade Bi Discs, two Jade Cauldrons, and a few large Pearls - simple gifts ready to go, and went with Zhou Yu.

Before coming, Sunx Ce had already prepared to go to war directly with Liu Bei, especially since Yuan Shu's anger was evident, even chopping up his most favored screen into pieces. In such a situation, how could Sunx Ce not prepare early?

Yet Yuan Shu didn't order troops to mobilize; he merely sat quietly staring at some old objects he found at home, things he played with as a child with Yuan Shao.

Since Yuan Shu remained silent, Sunx Ce only prepared for war. After all, his own territory was in chaos, with many troublesome matters unresolved. Although the previous battle could not be considered lost, having eliminated the greatest threat Liu Biao, to say it was won was not accurate, as the floods in Jingzhou and the refugees there were still unaddressed.

"Are we just going like this?" Zhou Yu furrowed his brows, looking at Sunx Ce carrying two Jade Cauldrons filled with various items, feeling a bit annoyed. It was his first time visiting an unknown advisor door-to-door.

"Shouldn't I go?" Sunx Ce asked in confusion.

"I just feel it's a bit flashy," Zhou Yu said, looking at Sunx Ce with the two Jade Cauldrons, feeling a bit troubled.

"Shouldn't we bring some gifts?" Sunx Ce rolled his eyes.

"Let's go then." Zhou Yu said no more, lacking experience meant no good strategies, no matter how clever.

Afterward, Sunx Ce and Zhou Yu boldly brought the gifts and visited straight away. Before Sunx Ce and Zhou Yu arrived, Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong already knew there were guests coming.

"It seems to be Sunx Bofu and Zhou Gongjin." Zhang Zhao chuckled, "Young people act with such vigor, and Sunx Ce's handsome and energetic demeanor indeed has the semblance of a noble lord."

"..." Zhang Hong ignored Zhang Zhao; he knew what Zhang Zhao thought - just because Liu Bei didn't provide a way out, he didn't want to go to Mount Tai.

"I'll go greet them." Zhang Zhao smirked; he had heard of Sunx Ce but never met him. This time seeing him, what can be said? Only a sense of overlord-like presence, as if he would stride forth boldly, seemed like a good choice.

Alright, this was all Zhang Zhao's speculation; in reality, he just liked Sunx Ce and knew Sunx Ce had taken Jing-Xiang in a short time, giving him enough judgment of Sunx Ce's abilities. Plus, Sunx Ce had inherited Yuan Shu's foundation, with strong roots and reserves.

Zhang Zhao was really unwilling to go to Liu Bei, especially after Zhang Hong suggested returning to Xuzhou, he was thinking of choosing the best among lesser options, and now he encountered someone with the demeanor of a mighty lord.

"What should I do next?" It was Sunx Ce's first time recruiting advisors; when he visited Zhuge Jin at least he had a familiar face in Pang Tong, it couldn't really be counted as visiting an advisor, just visiting a friend to ask about their situation, Sunx Ce didn't say much and it was done.

As for the past ones, those were civil officials and valiant generals who would submit or even offer troops. This situation of carrying gifts to visit was something he hadn't encountered, so Sunx Ce found it strange why they didn't come find him...

"First give the gifts, expressing our admiration, then talk about topics of mutual interest." Zhou Yu thought this over and suggested.

"I remembered Ziyu, let's go straight to the point." Sunx Ce thought of Zhuge Jin, back then saying around and about him, just couldn't speak out, and finally, himself appeared and impressively took over.

Zhou Yu was helpless; this job was unfamiliar to him too. But for inviting such high-level civil officials, it must be someone of status who invites, and Sunx Ce coming made him uneasy, so he accompanied.

Zhang Hong stared downstairs at Sunx Ce, heard the mutterings of Zhou Yu and Sunx Ce through the talks, and showed a bit of smile, increasingly liking them, although his decision wasn't shaken.

Zhang Zhao pushed open the door inviting Zhou Yu and Sunx Ce inside; within a few words among the three, they started to get along well. Now Sunx Ce, even if foolish, understood that without doing anything, another talented official was swayed by him.

"Please, my brother Zhang Zigang is inside, although he has some temper issues, please excuse that." After Zhang Zhao quickly closed the gap with a few words, he began introducing Zhang Hong, and Zhou Yu instantly understood their situation.

"Greetings to Master Zhang." After the door opened, Zhou Yu and Sunx Ce paid their respects to Zhang Hong as juniors, while Zhang Hong merely nodded casually.

Then the interaction between the four, excluding the less-talkative Sunx Ce, Zhou Yu and Zhang Zhao were deeply engaged in conversation. Zhou Yu's half-sharp political understanding brightened up under Zhang Zhao's explanation, many of his previous difficulties in governance suddenly reorganized, while Zhang Hong was evidently preoccupied.

Over time, Sunx Ce eventually realized, Zhang Hong clearly wouldn't budge, disinclined to even speak.

Zhou Yu remained indifferent, providing tea and water where needed, not neglecting Zhang Hong at all. In his view, today acquiring Zhang Zhao was already a significant boost to their forces; albeit unfortunate about the other, at least avoiding creating enmity was worthwhile.

"Master Zhang, you see them chatting happily, why don't you speak up?" Sunx Ce felt sleepy listening and to re-energize himself, began teasing Zhang Hong self-destructively, which Sunx Ce was particularly adept at.

"Not interested in speaking." Zhang Hong replied coldly.

Until now, Sunx Ce hadn't shown anything that amazed Zhang Hong, naturally leaving him uninterested, with Zhang Zhao, Zhang Hong had no need to persuade; every Top Sage has their own ideals, though not as extreme as Li Youu who would sacrifice himself for ideals, it is hard to sway them.

"Oh, just work with me." Sunx Ce bluntly said, suddenly feeling some charm in Zhang Hong's aged appearance.

Zhou Yu and Zhang Zhao were almost speechless; inviting someone like this, speaking so straightforwardly?

"Give me a reason." Zhang Hong was slightly intrigued looking at Sunx Ce.

"I think you're pleasing to my eyes." Sunx Ce straightforwardly shared his thoughts.

"I think you're displeasing to mine." Zhang Hong, a witty person, immediately retorted.

"That doesn't matter, as long as I find you pleasing; after all, it's you working with me, not me with you." Sunx Ce promptly rebutted Zhang Hong's proposal.

"That's a decent reason, just I fail to see any significance in working with you." Zhang Hong drank a goblet of wine and looked at the clouds outside the window speaking slowly, his tone filled with rejection. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit qidian.com to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com for reading.)